| This topic is a broad subject. Not only broad but typically unexpected. Adult speech therapy. Most people think of speech therapy services as something kids do at school to practice saying their /r/ words. But what about adults? Why would anyone need a speech therapist over the age of 12? When anyone, regardless of age, has difficulty with thinking, speaking, eating, or drinking: they would benefit from seeking a speech consultation. Meaning, an evaluation with the therapist to discuss the difficulties they are experiencing. Maybe they don’t need speech therapy. However, the therapist will certainly be able to educate the patient and make recommendations for other specialists if necessary. Sometimes people want to spruce up their public speaking skills or end their fear of public speaking. This is a very common practice in the business world. Some people want to ‘lose the southern twang’ or ‘hypernasal’ speech. It really can be strickly for personal development reasons. Adults seeking speech therapy include problems after a: stroke surgery digestive issues cancer cancer treatment heart attack dog bites (trauma) allergic reactions public speaking concerns……………and the list goes on. Most recently, patients recovering from or during COVID19 hospitalizations require speech therapy services because they have been on a respirator for extended periods of time. This weakens their vocal cords causing difficulty with eating, drinking, and speaking. Adult speech therapy is often related to medical conditions affecting their ability to think, speak, or eat. Our bodies are made to function with our systems working in sync. If our nervous system, muscular system, respiratory system, or brain are not working the way they should; our ability to communicate, think, or eat could be affected. And most likely is affected. Gradual changes with our ability to perform as we should is often seen as ‘getting older’ or ‘just a little something out of the norm-it will pass’. In reality, our bodies should function as they always have without any “gradual changes or something not quite right”. What’s typically normal for you should continue to be normal for you. Speech therapy is such a broad category. It’s not possible to address all the scenarios. When in doubt, ask the speech therapist! You might be surprised by what you learn. |
Pamela
